When I lived out in the Midwest, stories of people being stuck in drifts in their vehicle for a week or more were not uncommon.
I've lived in the midwest my entire life and NEVER heard of anyone being stuck in their car in a snowdrift for a week.
Actually in this day and age, it is very uncommon. Maybe there are some backroads in Alaska or Montana, for example, where this might happen but people in those parts tend to know better than to put themselves in a dangerous situation during the winter and if they must venture out, they make others aware of where they are going and they will be prepared.
For the average American, there is no real danger or starvation traveling the interstates and the main roads. Yes, it's a very good idea in wintertime for even city drivers to carry an emergency kit in their car that includes a blanket, extra gloves, flashlight/flares, and a small shovel to dig yourself out if you happen to run into a snowbank. However, there is no danger of being stuck for days. Pretty much ever car on the road has a cell phone these days and there are constantly cops patrolling the roads along with all the snowplows and other equipment out on the roads during a snowstorm.
Generally speaking, a stranded motorist will have an emergency vehicle within the hour, be it AAA, a police car or a good samaritan. We've had numerous major snowstorms in the Northeast this year (some 55 million people live here) and I don't think there has been a single case of a stranded motorist dying of starvation or exposure on the side of the road.
Now getting killed on the roadway due to an accident is a whole different matter. If I am stuck on the side of the road, I'd be much more concerned about getting struck from behind by a tractor-trailer or other motor vehicle than not having crackers and cheese handy, believe me!
For that reason, I try to stay off the roads during a winter storm.